Traveling with your significant other is a beautiful and tricky affair. Having the chance to travel together is exciting, but the stress of going from A to B with possible delays may also test your relationship.
If you’re a local looking for the perfect sites to take your foreign partner around Moscow or a foreigner wondering which places to go with your SO, this article will be your best friend.
We prepared a roster of historical dating spots in Moscow and detailed its address, visit schedules, and entrance fees for your convenience, so you don’t have to. Enjoy!
10 Historical Dating Spots in Moscow
1. Moscow Kremlin
The Kremlin, a citadel within a Russian town, serves as the home for Moscow’s breathtaking tourist spots. Constructed in the 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site—declared in 1990—offers spectacular buildings with five palaces, four cathedrals, and the Kremlin Wall encompassing Kremlin towers.
This fortified complex offers historical skyscrapers and the River Moskva’s views to match with. It occupies an extensive territory of 27 hectares—a majority of which is accessible to tourists. Upon visiting the Kremlin, you’ll need two types of tickets to see the:
- Cathedral Square and the Kremlin’s exterior grounds
- Armory Museum
Among the go-to places in the Kremlin are the Kremlin Armoury, Grand Kremlin Palace, and Cathedral of the Annunciation.
Overall, the Kremlin has nine museums and 32 palaces or towers that are available to the public. However, the Presidential and administrative buildings are strictly for government workers. When you decide to visit this massive citadel, you’ll have to allocate at least four hours’ worth of time to cover this 2,960,000 sq ft-big citadel.
Location: Moscow, Russia, 103132
Open: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Admission: 700 rubles for adults (free for visitors under the age of 16)
2. Red Square
Sitting at the heart of Moscow, just outside of the Kremlin, is the Russian Krasnaya Ploshchad or simply Red Square. It is one of the most enthralling open squares in Moscow that separates the royal citadel from Kitay-Gorod.
Witnessing Russia’s cultural and historical events, Red Square isn’t just an attraction spot. It also serves as the heart, soul, and symbol of the whole country.
Red Square has also been one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 1990.
Location: Krasnaya Ploshchad, Moscow, Russia
3. Kitay-Gorod
Kitay Gorod was the center of trade during the 14th century under the name of Bolshoi Posad. Meaning “Large Merchants’ Quarter,” Kitay-Gorod is the oldest section of Moscow outside the Kremlin.
Its name, “Kitay Gorod,” literally means China town. Since there has never been a Chinese settlement, others argue that its name means “fortress,” which comes from the Tatar word.
Still, others debated that the word “kita,” originates from Russia and means “several poles tied together.” This Russian meaning makes more sense as they used bundles of twigs to reinforce the earthen wall that once enclosed the area.
Nonetheless, charming Kitay Gorod grew and became the central hub of the powerful merchant class. Lined among its streets are shops, banks, and storehouses, with neoclassical buildings and colorful 17th-century churches around it.
Upon visiting Kitay-Gorod, be sure to start the tour at Nikolskaya Ulitsa, which begins at the corner opposite the State Historical Museum and runs along the north side of GUM.
Location: Moscow, Russia
4. GUM
Glavny Universalny Magazin (or simply GUM), which literally means “Main Department Store,” is the leading department store in Russia. Settled at Red Square, GUM houses a variety of high-end boutiques like Bulgari, Cartier, and Manolo Blahnik.
While shopping isn’t part of your itinerary, this 131-year-old shopping store’s stunning interiors and the spectacular glass roof will be a feast to the eyes.
Location: Red Square, 3, Moscow, Russia, 109012
Open: 10:00 am–10:00 pm daily
5. Saint Basil’s Cathedral
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, commonly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral, is one of Moscow’s most famous historical places. It was built in the 16th century and is mainly known for the visual treats serving its visitors.
According to legend, the reigning Tsar highly adored this architectural structure. As such, it blinded the architect, so they would never outdo the cathedral.
Located just minutes away from Red Square, the St Basil’s Cathedral’s iconic colorful facade happens to be one of the most-captured attractions in Moscow. Nonetheless, the concept for St Basil’s Cathedral’s glistening rainbow roofs were flames of a bonfire.
Location: Krasnaya Square, 2, Moscow 109012
Open: 10:00 am–10:00 pm daily
6. The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow. It houses one of the world’s most diverse collections, from Roman and Greek artifacts to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Its roster of collections offers an unparalleled experience for art lovers.
This 109-year-old museum complex has also held international music festivals since 1981. One of the most popular musicals held in the Pushkin Museum includes December Nights by Sviatoslav Richter’s December.
Designed by Vladimir Shukhov and Roman Klein, the Pushkin also has that imposing Neo-Classical concept that matches its awe-inspiring art archives. In addition to its enormous collection, the Pushkin offers comprehensive exhibition programs and educational activities that foster dialogues between classical and contemporary art.
Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum has no direct association with the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. But, it is a posthumous commemoration for him founded by professor Ivan Tsvetaev.
Location: Ulitsa Volkhonka, 12, Moscow, Russia, 119019
Open: 11:00 am–8:00 pm / up to 9:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays
Admission: 500 rubles – regular entrance pass; 250 rubles – reduced-fare pass; free of charge – children age six and under (and other eligible categories).
7. Arbat Street
Arbat Street is one of the oldest and most sophisticated pedestrian streets in Moscow. Its approximately one-kilometer-long street has been around since the 15th century and represents Moscow’s rich history.
Arbat Street has striking lines of luxurious cafes, art galleries, and restaurants and is a go-to place among local street artists. Having your portrait done at Arbat Street is one of the many things you could do here. This historical spot in Moscow will undoubtedly tickle your mind and heart, especially if you’re the artistic type.
You could also go to the café that Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy visited to complete the tour.
Location: Moscow; Central Administrative Okrug; Arbat District
8. Bolshoi Theatre
Another great place for art and culture lovers is the Bolshoi Theatre. Opened in 1856, Bolshoi Theatre is home to the Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera—the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies worldwide.
Bolshoi Theatre is also one of the city’s renowned landmarks, famous for featuring a neoclassical facade. Besides the classics, the theatre also stages contemporary works by other international composers and choreographers.
Location: Theatre Square, 1, Moscow, 125009
9. VDNKh All-Russian Exhibition Centre
During the ’30s, the Soviet government erected the All-Russia Exhibition Centre, or VDNKh (“the Exhibition of the Achievements of the National Economy”), to demonstrate the achievements of their empire. As such, it is one of Moscow’s grandest trade and exhibition centers during the Soviet era.
The enormous VDNKh has about 400 buildings, with a center that started as the all-Soviet agricultural exhibition in 1935. This leading leisure area in Moscow is also home to architectural marvels that’ll make any traveler’s sightseeing experience more exciting. With that, it features a general-purpose trade show and amusement park.
Location: Prospekt Mira, 119, Moskva, 129223
10. Losiny Ostrov National Park
Of all the Moscow points of interest, Losiny Ostrov National Park is the perfect meeting of nature and wildlife. Guests that plan to visit the place can see wild animals in their natural environment—including a moose!
The exquisite wilderness in the proximity of a large metropolitan area is one of the things that makes Losiny Ostrov so unique. Besides the forest, which accounts for most national parks, guests can check out the lake, river, and swamp habitats. Three functional regions separate the park and are as follows:
- 26% of Recreational – open to the general public
- 27% of Excursion – available to established routes and tours
- 47% of Restricted Protection – closed to the public.
Location: Poperechny Prosek, 1G, Moscow 107014
11. Lenin’s Mausoleum
A love-hate emotion will be a normal feeling when you visit Vladimir Lenin’s resting place, called Lenin’s Mausoleum.
Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, rests in the center of Moscow on Red Square. The Soviet leader’s glass is an impressive site that tourists shouldn’t miss visiting when they’re in the capital city.
Lenin’s Tomb became open to the public in August 1924, seven months after his death. From then on, it attracts around 2.5m visitors a year.
Location: Red Square, Moscow, Russia, 109012
Open: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: Free (unless you have bags to check)
12. Sparrow Hills or Vorobyovy Gory
Sparrow Hills or Vorobyovy Gory is like Disneyland to readers and writers as it has been a go-to spot for famous Russian writers and poets. It also has a panoramic view of the city, which can be an inspirational spot for aspiring poets and writers.
This precious green space in the high points of Moscow is also the perfect place to relax, contemplate, and admire the sublime views of Muscovite architecture. It is even an ideal spot to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a picnic.
The park is named after the nearby village of Vorobyovy, which translates as a sparrow in English.
Location: Ulitsa Kosygina, 28, Moskva, Russia, 119270
Last Note
Watching or reading documentary accounts is always a great start to know about Moscow. But stepping inside and seeing it in action would be the perfect way to understand the city—particularly—and the country—as a whole. Have fun on your trip with the SO!
